Events
Sustaining Science in Crisis: Physics, Conflict and International Cooperation
Join colleagues from across Sussex for an interdisciplinary workshop exploring how physics can be sustained in contexts of conflict through shared experience and collaborative discussion.
Thursday 25 June 2026, 12.30-4pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sustaining-science-in-crisis-physics-conflict-international-cooperation-tickets-1988280627881?aff=oddtdtcreator
Overview
This interactive workshop brings together colleagues from physics, international development, science policy, and education to explore how physics as a discipline can support students, researchers, and institutions in conflict-affected settings, with particular attention to equitable access for women. Grounded in real-world experience—including the development and delivery of physics training programmes in contexts such as Afghanistan and Palestine, alongside ongoing online initiatives supporting learners across the Global South—the session will examine both the challenges and opportunities for sustaining scientific activity under conditions of disruption.
The workshop will also consider the role of international scientific cooperation as a form of soft power, drawing on models such as CERN and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics to reflect on how cross-border collaboration can maintain and strengthen scientific communities despite political and geographic barriers.
The aim is to catalyse new interdisciplinary collaborations and identify emerging research directions at the intersection of science, conflict, and international cooperation, with a view toward future joint projects and funding opportunities.
Format
Designed to be participatory, the session will combine short contributions with collaborative “challenge labs,” where interdisciplinary groups will develop practical responses to key barriers, including restricted access to education, disrupted research environments, and limited institutional capacity.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Target audience
Open to researchers, including postgraduate researchers, across physics and related disciplines, as well as those working in science policy, international development, and education. Professional services staff who support researchers in these areas are also welcome to attend.
Summer of Research 2026
This event is part of the Summer of Research 2026, a two‑week festival of researcher‑led talks, workshops and events celebrating the breadth and impact of research at the University of Sussex. The festival brings together researchers, students and professional services colleagues to share ideas, build connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Find out about and sign up for other exciting events here!